I disagree. Note what Paul writes in 1Cor 15:
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
Jesus Christ appeared to the “twelve” after his resurrection. Who was this twelfth? Judas was already dead, and Paul is not one of the twelve for in verse 8 of this same chapter he says:
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
If one believes that 1Cor 15:1-8 is inspired scripture, then it stands to reason that these “twelve” are also recognized by the Holy Spirit. Therefore it must be Mathias, the one that the 11 apostles appointed to take Judas’ place.
Something to consider.
I respectfully disagree. When refering to any of the apostles, it was as “one of the twelve” differentiating from the rest of the disciples. Judas was counted as one of those. When it said that Jesus say Cephas “one of the twelve” it doesn’t say he SAW the twelve, but saw Cephas, one of the twelve. Jesus was seen by about 500 people after his resurrection, not just the twelve.
I agree,
paul did not wittness Christs resurection.
1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
According to verse 21 there is no way Paul could have replaced one of the 12.